KATALYST. "Sing a New Song is an RMN Convocation and an MFSA Voices of Faith ALL at the same time!" Who Could Say No To That?

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1 VOL. 29 NO. 2 SPRING, 2011 Together in One Place - Singing One Song! by Rev. James Preston When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Acts 1: 1-2 Over 20 years ago, while serving in Texas, I was encouraged and renewed by the witness of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) and Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) as I worked for justice in my local community, as well as the broader world and church. Receiving Open Hands magazine and the Social Questions Bulletin gave me hope for the church and God s call to us to, do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. As we started an MFSA chapter, RMN folks were a part of that dream. When my home church began the reconciling process, MFSA folks offered support. Both ministries have been connected over the years offering a voice for inclusion of LGBT persons, immigration reform, peace, labor rights, advocacy for those friends living in poverty, and more. I began attending General Conference in 1996, and at every conference since then, I feel the power of the Spirit as RMN and MFSA offer their witness together in hope! In Acts 1, all are together in one place when the Holy Spirit breaks in and changes everything. A mighty wind and tongues of fire change a committed group of folks into a mighty movement that forever changed the world. These followers of Jesus were empowered to go into the world and offer grace, justice, and peace. In August, MFSA and RMN will gather together in Ohio for Sing a New Song. Though collaboration has always been present, this event calls us together in one place to sing a new and unified song of witness and justice for our church and the world. This event marks a Pentecost moment for our movements as we combine our many voices in an intentional and powerful effort to change the church and the world. So, make sure you join and gather in one place for this historic milestone. Rev. James Preston is a former RMN employee and currently serves as a District Superintendent in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference. KATALYST NEWSLETTER OF RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK Who Could Say No To That? by Jennifer Battiest Neal I said yes to preaching at Sing a New Song because I am excited to be a part of an event where people will come together, believing change can happen in the church, expecting that change will happen, and then making change happen. Change in the name of God s Love - how could I say no to that? "Sing a New Song is an RMN Convocation and an MFSA Voices of Faith ALL at the same time!" Nine Convocations and Counting by Ann Thompson-Cook The very first RMN Convo in 1988 was an eye-opener to me. My congregation had just declared itself to be Reconciling, and I discovered a whole community of joyful folks who were committed to creating the beloved kindom. I give credit to RMN s Convocations for teaching me what I needed at the time to expand my work, first as a straight-identified author of educational books on sexuality and gender and now as a leader of a new organization, Many Voices, dedicated to helping clergy and congregations figure out how to extend true welcome ( The sharing, reflection and fellowship at the Convos equipped me, strengthened me, and lifted me up. Wherever you are on the journey, I look forward to seeing you in Ohio! Spring 2011 Katalyst 1

2 Reconciling Ministry at University UMC, Austin, TX By Sally Furgeson and Bruce Kellison University United Methodist Church (UUMC) in Austin, TX has a long history of supporting social justice and the inclusion of all people in the church s life and ministry. Our Reconciling team joins the UUMC Church and Society Council, which coordinates advocacy for racial reconciliation and environmental awareness. They engage in political action, and support Austin Interfaith, iact, and the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA). Affiliating with RMN represents only our most recent public witness to full inclusion. Our decade-long Reconciling process began with small-group activism and witness. One by one, more than a dozen Sunday School classes, United Methodist Women Circles, and Homerooms affiliated with RMN to show their solidarity with LGBTQI persons. As these affiliating groups grew, so did interest in a church-wide public statement. In August 2010, the Church Council formed a Reconciling Committee to facilitate events which included an eight-week class entitled The United Methodist Church and the H Word, a roundtable forum consisting of various presentations, films, a Bible study led by L. Michael White, and open discussion forums. At a February 2011 conference called by the church, 94% of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Adkins Helen Andrew Rev. Bonnie Beckonschrist Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger UUMC members present voted to affiliate with RMN and speak up for the full inclusion of LGBTQI persons. We publicly proclaim that God s grace is freely given to all and that it empowers all to receive the services of Christian ministry provided by the church. We recognize the work that remains, both inside and outside our walls, to reconcile with those marginalized and oppressed by the church. We are committed to the vision of a world in which the sacred worth of all people is honored. We call for the removal of incompatibility language because it is not supported by Scripture, Tradition, Experience, or Reason. Because Jesus calls us to practice the reconciling love of God in every relationship, we have a responsibility to welcome everyone. Everyone. New Reconciling Communities Congregations River Falls UMC of River Falls, WI University UMC of Austin, TX Saint Mark UMC of Atlanta, GA Grace UMC of Hopkinton, MA Good Samaritan UMC of Cupertino, CA North Olmsted UMC of North Olmsted, OH Grace UMC of Billings, MT Communities: DREAM (Daring to Reconcile and Embrace All in MS) in the Mississippi AC Sojourners Sunday School Class at St. John s UMC of Memphis, TN Circle 360 of UMW at First UMC of Austin, TX Faith Conversations Class at First UMC of Boerne, TX Genesis Apprentice Class at Trinity UMC of Salina, KS Bread-and-Butter Pickles Class at Trinity UMC of Salina, KS 2 Katalyst Spring 2011 RECONCILING MINISTRIES NET WORK mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ s inclusive love. Vincent Cervantes Rev. Dr. Daniel Diss Jayson Kerr Dobney Giselle Lawn Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey Madelyn Marsh Rev. David Meredith Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt Rev. John Oda Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto Rev. Dr. Bruce Robbins Rev. Dr. Derrick Spiva Monica L. Swink Bishop Melvin G. Talbert Joy T. Watts RMN STAFF Meg Carey Business Manager James Dalton Communication/Technology Coord. Rachel Harvey, deaconess Associate Executive Director Audrey Krumbach, M.Div. National Organizer Rev. Troy Plummer Executive Director Ted Jackson Interim Administrative Assistant

3 Tara Thronson Rev. John Oda (co-host) chair of Board of Directors of Reconciling Ministries Network Rev. Tanya Linn Bennett (worship leader) director of Chapel & Religious Life at Drew University Sean Delmore (preacher) coordinator of MIT s Rainbow Lounge & staff of College Avenue UMC Jennifer Battiest Neal - (preacher) former missionary & leader in Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Mark A. Miller (worship leader) sacred music faculty at Drew & Yale Theological Schools M. Garlinda Burton (co-host) co-president of Methodist Federation for Social Action Rev. Dr. Althea Spencer-Miller (Bible study leader) asst. professor of New Testament at Drew Theological School Bishop C. Joseph Sprague (preacher) General Secretary of General Commission on Status & Role of Women (speaker) retired bishop & theologian/activist Rev. Amy DeLong Bishop Yvette Flunder (preacher) elder in Wisconsin Conference and director of Kairos Co-Motion Kate Clark Rev. Carol Hill (children s leader) educator & nonviolence trainer in Wisconsin (youth leader) associate pastor & District Youth Coordinator in Northern Illinois (speaker) founder & pastor of City of Refuge UCC in San Francisco Bishop Judith Craig (speaker) retired bishop & visiting professor at Methodist Theological School of Ohio Join United Methodists united in love to find family, create community, break bread, share stories and mobilize for mission! AUGUST 25-28, 2011 Sawmill Creek Resort Huron, Ohio More details and registration at: Spring 2011 Katalyst 3

4 Sing a new Song Workshop Highlights Holy Conversations: Sacred Sex Talk Welcoming our Transgender Brothers and Sisters Creating Safe Spaces: A Response to Bullying Ending Discrimination in the UMC Led by Vincent Cervantes & Rev. Karen Oliveto Conversations within congregations about sexuality can be difficult. However, authentic conversation about who we are is a core theological concept. Whether we are straight or LGBTQ, we all desire to live authentically and to create a community that welcomes the expression of our joys and concerns. Through case studies and practical strategies, workshop participants will discover new ways to engage head and heart through conversations that are holy and healing, which deepen a sense of self and community. Led by Joey Lopez & Rev. Joshua Noblitt What does safe space mean? During this workshop we will discuss the importance of safe spaces in the church. We will consider the developmental stages of youth and young adults, primary characteristics of safe spaces, and logistical considerations, literally the where and when these safe spaces might take place. Participants will experience creating a safe space and leave the workshop with ideas for creating safe spaces for youth and young adults in their worship communities. Creating Queer Space in the Church and Movement Led by Dr. Randall Miller Dr. Randall Miller will lead a workshop where LGBTQI folks can experience powerful affirmations of their whole selves sexual and spiritual. Using Queer Theology, innovative worship resources, and playfulness, participants will share highlights of coming out stories and re-imagine Church as a sacred space in which LGBTQI people are celebrated. Those who do not identify as LGBTQI are welcome to attend and invited to listen rather than share. A resource guide is included. If you would like to contribute, please submissions to randall4015@hotmail.com. 4 Katalyst Spring 2011 Led by Tina Seitz & Giselle Lawn This workshop will address four primary questions and issues. We will talk about the social issues and forms of discrimination that impact transgender people. We will explore diversities within the transgender community. We will look at the reasons why it is important to reach out to the transgender community. Finally, we will review concrete steps you and your congregation can take to reach out to this community. Led by Dr. W. Astor Kirk & Rev. Amy Stapleton When exploring United Methodism s struggles with ecclesiastical institutional discrimination, it s clear that such discrimination has been present from the very beginning of the Methodist Movement. However, there are moments in our collective history when people have responded to God s call to the beloved community, and policies and practices have shifted. Come explore and discuss what can be learned from past indicators of change and how, as a denomination, we might build on those today. LGBTQI Affinity Groups: In order to facilitate relationships Sponsored by Affirmation United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns will facilitate three affinity groups to celebrate and support persons of these identities. Three gatherings will include: bisexual persons and couples; transgender persons and couples; and a safe space for all LGBTQI persons whom God has called to ministry ordained or denied ordination.

5 Working Justice Issues Within Your Community Led by Kathleen Campisano & Orelia Busch Create and explore a rich buffet of options that you use to organize within your church to participate as political LGBT justice advocates! Forums, potlucks, phone banks, press conferences, film showings, lobbying, lettersto-the editor, visibility rallies and more. Taking Reconciling Home Led by Kelley Frances Fenelon & Rev. Eric Strader Do you ever go back home from big Reconciling events and wonder: What next? What do we do now? In this workshop we will outline how to organize and lead Reconciling Teams in your annual conference and church. We will practice one-to-one conversations, leading conference calls, and establishing team norms. Further more, we will discuss how to find sanctuary in the midst of activism and how to recruit new energy. Workshop Listing A. BEING THE CHURCH 1. Affirmations of a Dissenter: Fire Drawn, Embers Smoldering 2. New Places for New People 3. Breathing New Life into Worship: Singing New Songs of Justice and Faith B. CHANGING CHURCH 1. Holy Conversations: Sacred Sex Talk 2. Ending Discrimination in the UMC: How Can the Past Inform the Future? 3. General Conference 2012: The Good, The Bad, and Everything in Between 4. Working Justice Issues Within Your Community: Marriage, Transgender Discrimination and more! 5. Singing Your Own Song: Leading the Reconciling Process in Your Congregation 6. Taking Reconciling Home C. DOING JUSTICE 1. Environmental Racism 2. Beginning/End of Life 3. Immigration in Rhetoric and Realities 4. Divestment: A Strategy for Peace in the Holy Land 5. LGBTIQ and Undocumented Struggles: The Parallels and Intersectionality of Two Movements D. QUEERLY FORWARD 1. Creating Queer Space in the Church and the Movement 2. Creating Safe Spaces: A Response to Bullying 3. Apologetics: Queering the Bible, Theology, and Pastoral Care 4. Transgender Welcoming our Transgender Brothers and Sisters Full workshop descriptions at Miracle Moments Testify to the ministries for full inclusion you re engaged in through a miracle moment at Sing a New Song! You don t need to be present in Ohio to send a message to the movement - check out sans2011.org/miraclemoments to submit a video or written testimony today! General Conference Plenary Don t miss the General Conference plenary at Sing a New Song. Come celebrate our movement s progress, act for change, and launch our upcoming campaign. Learn about our upcoming campaign and General Conference presence! Workshop Registration If you ve already registered for Sing a New Song and haven t chosen your workshops, it is important that you register for workshops today. Log into your registration by following the directions below to add your workshops or your choices to the RMN office at james@rmnetwork. org. 1. Visit and click REGISTER HERE 2. Click Already Registered? next to the address field. 3. Enter the address and password that you used during your initial registration. [If you have forgotten your password click Forgot Your Password? and your password will be ed to you in a few minutes.] 4. In the Edit column, click Agenda. 5. Scroll to the bottom of the page. 6. In the Workshop Registration section, choose your top three workshops. 7. Click Continue, then click Finalize 9. Click Update Your Registration If your changes were successfully updated you will see a green box that says, Your registration is complete. Spring 2011 Katalyst 5

6 Name: Address: Cell Phone: Local Church: Name as it should appear on name tag: Full Registration Full Registration does not include All-Day Forums, Breakfast Table Talks, or Additional Meal Plan Submitted by July 25, 2011 Adult: $260 Student: $130 Child*: $25 Submitted after July 25, 2011 Adult: $290 Student: $130 Child*: $25 Partial Registration Thursday Evening (includes cookout) $60 Friday $80 Saturday (includes banquet) $100 Sunday Morning $50 Ohio Students Rate: Ohio students attending only Fri. evening - Sun noon Ohio Student: $100 All-Day Forums 9am - 3pm Thursday (Choose one) $30 Parents Reconciling Network MOSAIC/OnFire Reconciling Ministries Clergy United Methodist of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church (UMOC) Methodist Federation for Social Action Dismantling Racism Transgender Building Reconciling Communities Top Three Workshop Choices Use Letter & Number from Listing eg. A1, B3, D1 * Children are between the ages of Katalyst Spring 2011 August 25-28, 2011 Sawmill Creek Resort Huron, OH Remember to make a copy of this form for your records! OR: Keep this form and register online at (Please submit one form per participant - including children.) To arrange housing accommodations contact Sawmill Creek Resort directly by calling: Ext City/State/Zip: Home Phone: Annual Conference: Additional Options: Add. Meal Plan (Friday Lunch & Dinner, Saturday Lunch) Adult Meal Plan $60 Children s Meal Plan (Age 5-17) $30 Children s Meal Plan (Age 4 and under) FREE Guest Cookout and Banquet Pass $53 Guest s Name: Breakfast Table Talks $30 (Includes Friday, Saturday, Sunday Breakfast) One Way Shuttle Fee $10 Round Trip Shuttle Fee $20 [Shuttles are to / from Cleveland Int. Airport Only] Total: Return this Registration Form To: Reconciling Ministries Network 3801 North Keeler Avenue Chicago, IL Phone Fax In case of cancellation, we will refund your payment less a $20 processing fee. Please find my check enclosed. Please make all checks payable to Reconciling Ministries Network. Please charge my credit card: exp. / MC Visa AmEX Please send me a scholarship application. This is a child/youth registration. (age 3-17) Age: Special Needs:

7 Farewell by Rev. Carl Davis Mobilizing United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ s inclusive love is the mission of Reconciling Ministries Network. For the past two years it has been my privilege and honor to help RMN s more than 2,000 donors use their financial resources to accomplish that mission. Getting to know our donors from coast to coast has been a great joy. Seeing the impact they have on our Church and world has been nothing less than heart touching. As of May 1, 2011, I will be leaving the staff of RMN to assume the role of Development Director at the Center for Conflict Resolution, a Chicago area non-profit that provides mediation services. In this, my last Katalyst article as your Director of Development, I want to say thank you. Thank you to the founding members of the Reconciling Movement who organized against great odds over twentyfive years ago and created the powerful voice for inclusion that exists today. Thank you to the wonderful pastors who sacrificially serve in The United Methodist Church and provide their parishioners with vital ministry in the spirit of Jesus even when their own denomination fails to officially see their sacred worth. Thank you to the board, volunteers and staff of RMN who use their gifts and graces to bring about the day when all really does mean ALL in The United Methodist Church. Thank you to the young adult just coming out of the closet and reconciling his or her faith and sexuality - for reminding the rest of us of the urgency of our work today. Most of all, thank you to each person who supports RMN with the time, treasure and talent that enable our mission to become reality. Each of you have my deepest respect and admiration. Now I look forward to interacting with many of you in the future, not as a staff member of RMN, but as your friend and fellow donor. Together we really can transform our Church and world. Your donations to the Sing a New Song Scholarship Fund make a difference! Consider making a donation so that someone else might have the opportunity to become more involved in our blessed community. Visit As a young gay man pursuing ordination, Convocation connected me with a supportive community who gave me the strength to continue to fight for the pursuit of my own vocation and equality. I would never have been able to attend without a scholarship, thank you! (Anonymous) I received a scholarship and attended the 2009 Convocation. There, I learned what Justice and Joy can look like in the UMC and, ultimately, discovered how I may be able to have a role in that change. (Sarah) Getting a scholarship meant that I could gather with like minded United Methodists; it helped me see I am not alone, but am one of a family working to see our church become the inclusive family that Christ intended us to be. (Joey) Gifts in Memory and Honor of... In Honor Of... Micheal & Kevin Eddings were honored by Steven Davis Joyce & Robert Swing were honored by Deborah Maria St. Mark UMC of Atlanta was honored by David Story Rev. Gregory Dell was honored by Joan Uebele Tommy MacFarland & Daniel Nash were honored by Thomas MacFarland In Memory Of... Marguerite Jhonson remembers Rev. Miriam Crist Maureen Vetter remembers Helen Witters Spring 2011 Katalyst 7

8 Reconciling Ministries Network 3801 North Keeler Avenue, Third Floor Chicago, IL Address Service Requested Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chicago, IL Permit #3870 First UMC of Oneonta, New York has organized 13 participants for Sing A New Song. The van will fit eight friendly United Methodists for the eight hour drive with other combinations of cars for the New York to Ohio caravan. The group ranges from teenagers (two, one a PK) to 81 year old Verna. Margaret says It is just one of the things we do. For the first time ever, we missed Justice and Joy and that isn t going to happen again! How Are You Getting to Sing a New Song? Who Are You Sending? 8 Katalyst Spring 2011 The crescendo of anticipation is growing weekby-week as folks from Western Pennsylvania continue to register for Sing A New Song! We are organizing carpools...watch for the caravan coming across the Ohio Turnpike on August 24th!